Jinja SafariKiama boys The Vanns kicked off proceedings with a tight set drawing on the band's pop punk and blues sensibilities. While the crowd definitely gave the set their tick of approval, the clear highlights came when the tightly-wound guitar riffs were given pride of place, allowing James Vann's lyrics to sit nicely on top.
Up and comers 44th Sunset were next, with the quartet showing why they are one of the country's most distinctive young bands. While the set was at times a little raw, it's impossible to complain about the vision and energy on display. Too many young bands lack the personality to truly set themselves apart; however 44th Sunset – especially with their enigmatic frontman Nik Thompson – have it in spades. Radio favourites Caesar and Blue Ribbon set the crowd alight, and while they may sit in the love or hate category, there's no doubt we'll be hearing a lot more from these guys.
Last on stage were Jinja Safari, playing hot on the heels of the release of their highly anticipated debut album. The extensive touring schedule accompanying the LP has resulted in a tight and energetic live presence and one that was lapped up by the sold-out crowd. Their blend of Afropop rhythms and radio-friendly song structures worked perfectly live, with singles Toothless Grin and Peter Pan whipping the crowd into a small frenzy.
New tracks such as West Coast Rock and Mombassa On The Line went down a treat, with the live setting giving the songs an even stronger tribal feel. The hour-long billing time also gave the boys a chance to delve into some substantial mid-song jams, which gave the audience an early glimpse into some of the band's new thinking.
Jinja Safari's self-titled debut could see them become the breakout Australian act of 2013. And after seeing them tear up their live performance, it will be a title well deserved.
